LX Passenger Minivan

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Review

2002
Mazda
MPV Review

A good choice in terms of value, performance, handling, and quality for any family.

Reviewed by Automotive on
1/28/2002

Overview

The 2002 Mazda MPV is a one of those vehicles that receives little attention but has much to offer. It is one of the smallest minivans on the market with a seating capacity of seven passengers. Its light weight makes it more agile than most minivans and it is powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine and is available in two trims: the base LX and the luxury-oriented ES. The MPV has three rows of seating: two front bucket seats, two second-row bucket seats, and a third-row bench seat. The second-row seats can slide together to create a single bench seat, which is a useful feature during long trips. The created second-row bench seat and the third-row bench seat can be folded down into the floor to create a cavernous cargo area. Exclusive are dual sliding doors with windows that roll down.

The Range

What's New

The 2002 Mazda MPV received a new 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produces more power and torque than its predecessor. The new engine also received a new five-speed automatic transmission to replace the four-speed. Mazda revised the suspension and body to make it more rigid and restyled the front end.

Exterior

Standard exterior features for the 2002 Mazda MPV include 15-inch alloy wheels, body-colored bumpers, power windows, rear defogger, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, rear window wiper, and variable intermittent front windshield wipers. The ES adds power sliding rear side doors with roll-down windows and 17-inch alloy wheels. An available optional Four Seasons Package will give you a rear heater, heavy-duty battery, larger radiator, and heated door mirrors. Consumers can also get an optional power glass moonroof.

The 2002 Mazda MPV is sleek and aerodynamic. It has a coefficient of drag of 0.34, which means that it will produce less noise and will use fuel more efficiently. The outside mirrors are smallish and the sliding rear side doors are easy to open and the handles are easy to grab. The body-colored bumpers blend seamlessly with the body to showcase the black grille and Mazda logo in its center.

The 2002 Mazda MPV is beautifully designed with high-quality materials and excellent ergonomics. The controls are easy to see and operate, but the shift stalk obscures some of the radio controls when in Drive. The dashboard design is more akin to that of a car as it sweeps the entire width of the minivan in one smooth arc. The second-row seats recline, slide back and forward, and are removable. Consumers can even slide them together to create a single bench seat. The second- and third-row seats fold down to create 127 cubic feet of storage space. The interior also has lots of cup holders and storage pockets throughout the cabin.

Performance & Handling

The powertrain of the 2002 Mazda MPV is a 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produces 200 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission, front drive, and front wheel independent suspension. The automatic transmission has SlopeControl that holds the fourth gear when climbing a hill instead of hunting for the correct gear as most other automatic transmissions.

The 2002 Mazda MPV's engine is smooth, quiet, and responsive. The automatic transmission shifts gears smoothly and drives more like a car than a typical minivan. The larger stabilizer bar, three-degree-off-axis front springs, and more rigid body and suspension have created good handling and secure steering. The front ventilated disc brakes and anti-lock braking system (ABS) provides good stopping power.